As Catholics, we are called to advocate, through prayer and action, for the sanctity of life from conception until natural death. Under the direction and guidance of the Diocese, the Respect Life Ministry works fervently to raise awareness and advocate for the sanctity of life with different events and activities throughout the year.
The Gabriel Project
We invite you to learn more and get involved in The Gabriel Project, this beautiful ministry provides pregnancy and maternal care to expectant mothers in need.
Respect Life Activities
Nine Days for Life Novena
Sign up to receive a different intention each day, as well as a short reflection, suggested actions and related information as we pray for the respect and protection of every human life.
Blessing of the Crosses
Monthly Rosary at Planned Parenthood
The Respect Life Ministry invites you to pray the Rosary with us at Planned Parenthood the last Thursday of every month. To carpool, meet in the SJV parking lot by the parish office after 9:00am Mass. We know that when people are present in prayer at the abortion site, through the grace of God, hearts are changed and lives are saved.
Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service
Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.”
On March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Church celebrates the anniversary of the prophetic papal encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) published in 1995. This document, written by Pope St. John Paul II, reaffirmed the Church’s constant teaching on the value and inviolability of every human life.
Our parish is joining a nationwide effort entitled: “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.” This is an opportunity to assess, expand and better communicate resources and assistance to pregnant moms and families in need at the local level. We invite you to pray, wherever you are, that this Year of Service will help us increase our outreach, so that every pregnant and parenting mother in need may know she can turn to her local Catholic community for help and authentic friendship.
A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.* Amen.
* Cf. Evangelium vitae 105 © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Excerpted with permission. Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.
40 Days for Life Campaign
The Houston Coalition for Life’s 40 Days for Life Campaign takes place twice a year: during Lent and in the Fall. SJV’s Respect Life members participate every Thursday during the campaigns, praying from 10 am until Noon.
Living Rosary & Celebration of Life
Our Annual Living Rosary and Celebration of Life takes place every spring. Join us as we Celebrate Life and participate in a Living Rosary. We stand together to pray, united in love to witness and build a culture that honors the life and dignity of every human person. After the Rosary, join us for a Family Picnic hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Memorial Council 6527.
Novena Prayer for Life to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
SJV’s Respect Life Ministry members invite you to pray this Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary. This Novena is typically prayed from September 29 through October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, but it may be prayed at any time.
Join us in praying that, during Respect Life Month and going forward, our resolve will be strengthened to cherish and protect the gift of every human life, and that God grants us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage from conception until natural death.
Note Cards Sale
In December, Respect Life volunteers sell blank note cards at the Social Service Ministries office. All the proceeds from the sales benefit SJV’s Gabriel Project.
For additional information on all the Respect Life activities and events, contact the Social Services office via email or phone call at 281.497.4434. If you cannot join our volunteers, please remember them and all individuals whose lives they touch in your prayers. God always responds to prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition. We hope that you will join us as we pray for the safety of unborn children and their families.
“The promotion of the Culture of Life should be the highest priority in our societies… If the right to life is not defended decisively as a condition for all other rights of the person, all other references to human rights remain deceitful and illusory.” – St. John Paul II